Other costs, like rental cars, food, and park admission remain the same throughout the year. Winter visitors may even find that they have fewer options since some restaurants and shops open only seasona

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the United States . It boasts some of the best scenery of the Appalachian Mountains and is located in Western North Carolina and over the state line taking up a bit of Eastern Tennes

The Florida Trail doesn't leave the state. It covers 1300 miles across Panhandle and the Peninsula from the Cypress National Preserve to the ceaseless forest. The hikers' risk is meeting up with black bears, mountain lions, and gators along the trail. Florida trail is suitable for all experience levels since it's a relatively low-elevation and flat hike. But one should be prepared for sweat bugs since Florida is quite Hu

One, therefore, needs to hike from the parking lot to the grove. This is a four-mile round trip with 500 feet of elevation change. Expect to hike 5.5 miles round trip to see the Grizzly Giant and recommended the California Tunnel Tree. Remember to take plenty of water as there is no drinking water in the gr

When Arizona is mentioned, we all think of flat sand and heat. But let's rethink; the Arizona trail is an 800-mile trail that covers canyons, cultures from Utah to Mexico, mountains, and deserts. The endless path from the state's southern border to the northern border, mountainous and snaking Grand Canyon National Park. The Arizona Trail is suitable for all experience levels. One should carry lots of water for the extra dry sections of the trail. One should conduct proper research to avoid irrelevant struggles from congregations in the Grand Canyon and scorching temperatu

Find the right time to visit a national park such as this, though, can be tricky. Just as one wouldn't visit a high-altitude alpine park in the dead of winter, one wouldn't typically go for a strenuous hike in Zion at the peak of the summer. There is a 'best' time to visit this beautiful park and, while you're there, add these to your itiner

Most people who head to the Grand Canyon expect amazing sights. This natural feature has dropped jaws in every season ever since humans encountered it thousands of years ago. While each season at the Grand Canyon offers its wonder , winter landscapes here are especially divine. The Arizona sky is at its clearest in the winter, so fewer clouds, and less rain, or fog will disrupt visitors' views of its scalloped cliffs. Those lucky enough to visit after a dusting of snow will drink in delicious, layered landscapes with alternating lines of white, brown, red, and ora

There are other reasons as well to plan a winter trip to this awe-inspiring crevice carved by the Colorado River. For one, hotels are cheaper in down season in Grand Canyon Village and tourists will enjoy cool temperatures (instead of scorching sun). Read on to find out more about visiting the Grand Canyon during the "secret seas

The Great Smoky Mountains have a plethora of options when it comes to hiking trails. One can choose from trails leading to waterfalls, through old-growth forests, and trails with endless views. If one is planning on a multi-day backpacking trip, then reservations and permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcoun

For those seeking to explore the park on their own, fear not - other hikers and visitors are almost always around, and trails are well-marked with blazes. Trails vary in difficulty from treks such as Angel's Landing and Observation Point, which both require a degree of tactical hiking (and require that hikers leave their fear of heights at home), as well as trails like Canyon Overlook and Emerald Pools. Both of the latter are easier hikes and the first is family-friendly while also providing spectacular views along the

Of course, hiking is one of the most popular activities at the park. With so many trails, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is worth spending an entire day (or several) on, and this is where guided tours can help. Not only will hikers have the chance to learn about the area from an experienced guide but they'll also have the reassurance that comes with a well-versed hiker, familiar with the trails. Some of these guided tours are all-inclusive which means that meals and extras are included, helping to curve the cost and take the stress out of planning a Zion excurs

Those who plan to hike should plan trips around the fall season since more trails are open due to the lack of flood threats. Alternatively, the spring season - between the months of April and May, might see a day or two more of precipitation, but these are the best for backpackers who are looking to spend long durations of time on the park's trails since the park itself sees fewer visitors during this time fr

The biome of Zion National Park is rather unique in the sense that it experiences a wide range of temperatures and weather patterns depending on the time of the year. During the summer and winter months, the region experiences extremes of both seasons - with summers being extraordinarily hot and winters being cold enough to bring snow. The park also has a monsoon season and during the months of January, February, and March, there are typically anywhere from seven to eight days of full precipitation which can cause flash flooding, according to Wildland Trekking . These weather conditions apply to both Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon so it's always better to check the weather report prior to heading